ASSOCIATION FOR OPERA IN CANADA ANNOUNCES TWO RECIPIENTS OF THE 2025 BEST IN GOVERNANCE AWARD

Toronto, ON– The Association for Opera in Canada (AOC) is delighted to announce that Marc Chalifoux, Against the Grain Theatre, and Robert G. Milne, Pacific Opera Victoria have been named the recipients of the 2025 AOC Best in Governance Award.
The Best in Governance Award, presented in collaboration with OPERA America, recognizes exceptional leadership from board members within Canada’s opera sector. Celebrating the vital role of dedicated volunteers, this national accolade promotes a culture of recognition and gratitude, highlights the principles of good governance, and strengthens the connection between board members, their organizations, and the communities they serve.
“Board members are essential stewards of our opera companies, shaping the strength, resilience, and future of the sector,” said Christina Loewen, Executive Director of the Association for Opera in Canada. “Governance excellence takes many forms—what it looks like at a small, agile company differs from the needs of a larger, more established organization. This year, we are proud to honour not one, but two extraordinary individuals—Marc Chalifoux and Robert G. Milne—whose contributions to Against the Grain Theatre and Pacific Opera Victoria respectively exemplify the diverse ways that thoughtful, committed leadership can profoundly impact both their companies and the opera community at large.”

Marc Chalifoux has been a transformative force at Against the Grain Theatre, leading the company through a period of bold reinvention—from acclaimed digital productions during the pandemic to a smooth leadership transition after the departure of both its foundeing Artistic Director and General Director. As Board Chair, he strengthened governance, championed equity and inclusion, and redefined the organization’s identity around a new strategic plan grounded in compassion, belonging, accessibility, and collaboration. Under his leadership, AtG championed EDI Action Plan, diversified its board, and began commissioning new work for the first time —positioning the company as a national leader in socially engaged opera.

Robert G. Milne has shaped Pacific Opera Victoria’s trajectory over nearly two decades of service, including seven years as Board President. A dedicated arts advocate, legal expert, and generous philanthropist, he has led major fundraising efforts, improved governance, and helped launch initiatives like The Flight of the Hummingbird. His vision supported the creation of the Baumann Centre and expanded access to performance spaces. Through his leadership locally and nationally, Robert has deepened Pacific Opera’s artistic impact and strengthened its role as a champion of equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Recognition Events
Marc Chalifoux and Robert G. Milne will be formally celebrated at a Canadian recognition event in collaboration with Pacific Opera Victoria and Against the Grain Theatre, honouring their outstanding leadership and lasting contributions to their organizations. In addition, they will be guests of honour at the OPERA America Salutes gala on March 20, 2026, in New York City, where they will be recognized alongside the distinguished recipients of OPERA America’s National Opera Trustees Recognition Award: Jeffrey Cunard (Washington National Opera), Janet Farrell (IN Series), Erin Flannery (Experiments in Opera), Liz Kathman Grubow (Cincinnati Opera), and Mel Weingart (OPERA San Antonio).

About the Association for Opera in Canada
The Association for Opera in Canada is the national association for opera companies and professionals in Canada. We work with members across the sector to amplify opera’s impact and ensure its vibrancy, accessibility, and resonance for generations to come.

About Robert G. Milne
Robert (Bob) Milne has been a member of the board of directors of Pacific Opera Victoria since 2005, and served as president for seven years. He has served on all of the board’s standing committees and many task forces, including multiple capital campaigns. He has had an active role in the board’s selection of current CEO Ian Rye and the previous two CEOs (Patrick Corrigan and David Shefsiek) and its current Artistic Director, Brenna Corner. Bob also serves as a trustee of the Pacific Opera Victoria Foundation.
Nationally, Bob is a member of the Association for Opera in Canada (formerly Opera.ca) and has participated in its conferences and colloquiums, including as a panel participant. He is also a member of Opera AMERICA, participating in its Trustee Forums and annual conferences. He currently serves as the only Canadian in its Trustee Advisory Committee.
Professionally, Bob is a practicing business law lawyer, now associate counsel at JB Lawyers LLP, where he was a senior partner for many years. His clients include many not-for-profit housing and arts organizations.
As a long-time resident of Victoria, Bob has had the privilege of serving on the boards of a variety of arts and community service organizations, including Dance Victoria, Theatre SKAM, Victoria Literary Arts Festival, AIDS Vancouver Island, and Royal Roads University

About Marc Chalifoux
Marc Chalifoux is Vice President, Digital & Enterprise Capabilities at Thomson Reuters, where he leads the team responsible for digital sales and servicing at the world’s foremost provider of AI and technology solutions for legal, tax, and accounting professionals. Prior to this role, Marc held senior positions at TD Bank in both Canada and the U.S., focusing on Digital, FinTech Strategy & Partnerships, Communications, and Corporate Citizenship.
With a background that bridges business, policy, and public service, Marc has served as a senior communications advisor to both corporate and political leaders. He also played a leading role in the merger and integration of Canada’s largest charities dedicated to history and civic education. His board experience includes roles with the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition, the Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada, and the Banff Forum, where he served as Treasurer. Marc holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
A passionate supporter of the arts, Marc proudly admits that his only artistic talent is as an enthusiastic audience member. After being deeply moved by Orphée+, he reached out to Against the Grain Theatre to volunteer and soon after joined the Board of Directors in January 2019. He became Chair in March 2020, stepping into leadership during the earliest days of the COVID-19 crisis.